Skip to Content

John Ophiomachos (eleventh century, second half)

 
 

Obverse

Inscription in three lines with a decoration above. Border of dots.

    
σφραγ,
Ι̄μαγ,
στρ

σφραγ(ὶς) Ἰω(άννου) μαγ(ί)στρου

Reverse

Inscription in three lines. Border of dots.

του
οφιομα
χου

τοῦ Ὀφιομάχου

Obverse

Inscription in three lines with a decoration above. Border of dots.

    
σφραγ,
Ι̄μαγ,
στρ

σφραγ(ὶς) Ἰω(άννου) μαγ(ί)στρου

Reverse

Inscription in three lines. Border of dots.

του
οφιομα
χου

τοῦ Ὀφιομάχου

Accession number BZS.1947.2.1205
Diameter 16.0 mm; field: 12.0 mm
Previous Editions

Wassiliou-Seibt, Siegel mit metrischen Legenden II, no. 2629.

Translation

σφραγὶς Ἰωάννου μαγίστρου τοῦ Ὀφιομάχου.

Seal of John Ophiomachos, magistros.

Commentary

In his unpublished catalogue of the Shaw Collection, Laurent mentions that the name Ophiomachos is first attested in 1086 (cf. PG 127, 973 B) and that it is borne not long thereafter by an individual, not necessarily this one, named John (cf. PG 126 372 C, 373 D).

For other instances of the unusual name Ophiomachos, see the commentary to Wassiliou-Seibt's entry in Siegel mit metrischen Legenden.

Bibliography

  • Corpus der byzantinischen Siegel mit metrischen Legenden, Vol. 2, Siegellegenden von Ny bis inklusive Sphragis (Open in Zotero)